Ray tracing improves lighting, shadows and reflections, but its performance cost varies widely: a TechSpot test across 36 games found average frame rates fell 20–40%.
The article also examines path tracing, frame generation’s potential input delay, and why path tracing in Cyberpunk 2077 can require 50% more power than ray tracing, depending on the scene.
This mode calculates light, shadows, and reflections more realistically. The result can be more impressive, but it requires more power from the computer. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles offer a mediocre experience, while powerful computers can support more advanced versions.
In TechSpot's tests of 36 games, the number of frames displayed each second dropped by an average of 20% to 40% when the feature was enabled. In some games, the drop was greater: 45% in Hogwarts Legacy, about 52% in Alan Wake 2, and 65% in Hitman 3.
Some features can increase the number of frames displayed each second, creating additional images. However, this can slow down the game's response to controls.
The article does not recommend enabling the feature for those with NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT. In these cases, priority is given to displaying images at a steady rate, at the resolution the display is designed for. Graphics cards older than five years will likely perform poorly in games with this feature.
At the time of writing, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 was the graphics card with the highest usage share in Steam's user hardware survey.
There is also a more demanding version, which takes into account more light sources. Compared to Resident Evil Requiem, the article found more visible reddish light from a nearby storefront out of shot, as well as more effective reflections on the windshield.
The most demanding version requires even more power. In Cyberpunk 2077, it can, depending on the scene, require 50% more power than the simplest. The article mentions the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 as suitable for this mode. Those who do not have a correspondingly powerful graphics card are likely to prefer smoother gameplay over more impressive lighting.
Top comments (1)
tr.ee/dev-to